Spiritual Grandeur Unfolds: Mamata Banerjee Leads Maha Yajna Ahead of Bengal’s Jagannath Dham Inauguration

On the eve of a historic moment for West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee performed a grand Maha Yajna at the newly built Jagannath Dham in Digha, setting the stage for the temple’s much-anticipated inauguration on Akshaya Tritiya. The Maha Yajna, which began on April 25, culminated on Tuesday with Banerjee offering prayers, performing the Purnahuti ritual, and leading the aarti. The ceremony was marked by the use of 100 quintals of mango and bel wood and two quintals of ghee, symbolizing spiritual purification and illumination.

 

The event saw participation from 60 ISKCON members, 35 priests, and artisans from the Puri Jagannath temple, underscoring the temple’s spiritual and cultural significance. Sacred water from pilgrimage sites across India was brought for the Pran Pratishtha (idol consecration) set for the inauguration day.

 

The Jagannath Dham, a stunning 24-acre replica of Puri’s iconic temple, was constructed with pink sandstone from Rajasthan at a cost of ₹250 crore. The complex features intricate carvings, a grand Arun pillar, and traditional halls, and is expected to become a major pilgrimage and tourist destination.

 

Banerjee hailed the project as a symbol of harmony and pride, saying, “Bengal is proud. Not only Bengal, the whole world will be proud of this.” The inauguration will open the temple to all, celebrating the region’s rich spiritual heritage.

 

Sources: India Today, NewsX, Hindustan Times, Indian Express